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Dawn Ribardo at the new Breckland Children's Clothes Bank centre in Swaffham

A mum’s mission to help children get the clothes they need is nearing a new milestone.

Since setting up the Breckland Children’s Clothes Bank in 2022, Dawn Ribardo, from Feltwell, has helped hundreds of families by providing pre-loved shoes and clothes for babies and children aged up to 16.

And now the charity is ready for a big step forward with the opening of a dedicated centre off Lynn Road in Swaffham.

Dawn, 42, said she had been surprised by the clothes bank's popularity.

She said: “I didn’t realise there was going to be such a high level of demand. There are not many clothes banks or baby banks in the country. Although there is another one in Thetford, we are the only one serving the whole of Breckland, so it's very busy.”

Dawn Ribardo in front of the clothes bank.

Dawn saw the need for such a charity through her work at the housing association Victory Homes, which is part of the housing provider, Flagship Group.

She said: “I’m a tenancy support officer so I support families and people who need a little extra support at difficult times. As a team, we saw a big need for children’s clothes.

“I started by gathering some clothes in my loft, with donations from friends, family and connections.”

The clothes bank was then based in a garage, and later in central Dereham, before Dawn found the Swaffham building, which will be officially opened at a public open day on Saturday, September 28 from 10am-1pm.

Dawn said building the charity had involved applying for grants, having a logo designed, appointing trustees, and recruiting two volunteers – with more to follow. Helpers along the way have included her own children, who are now aged 16 and 22.

Dawn sorts through jackets at the clothes bank